Kusal Mendis (61 off 45) and Pavan Rathnayake (60 off 28) have stitched a highest third wicket partnership in the history of T20 World Cup, ensuring the hosts crush Oman by 105 runs at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Oman elected to field first, the decision which went against them as Sri Lanka posted the highest total of 225-5 in the ongoing World Cup to put the Omani batters to the test. After losing two wickets for 42, it was Kusal Mendis and Pavan Rathnayake that provided impetus to the Sri Lanka’s innings, before Dasun Shanaka played a captain’s knock to help Sri Lanka prevail against the Jatinder Singh-led side.
Kusal Mendis (45-bal 61) smashed seven boundaries. Rathnayake smashed eight boundaries and one six.
Shanka brought fifty in just 19 deliveries, breaking his own record, which he set against India back in 2023.
For Oman, Jiten Ramanandi (2-41) picked up two wickets. Jay Odedra (1-14) picked up one wicket.
Though Sufiyan Mehmood also took a scalp, but he was expensive, conceding 60 runs in his four-over quota.
In replay, the Omani side could only compile 120-9 in 20 overs, with Mohammad Nadeem scored unbeaten 53 off 56, smashing three boundaries and one six.
Other than than, nobody with the exception of Wasim Ali (20-ball 27) shown resistance with the bat. Wasim whacked three boundaries.
For Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera (2-19), Maheesh Theekshana (2-11) took two wickets apiece.
Kamindu Mendis (1-10), Dunith Wellalage (1-17) and Dushan Hemantha (1-45) took a scalp each.
